I Once Was a Christian

1 I once was a Christian for many a year,
My heart was a lodging of tumult and fear;
The eye could not see, and the ear could not hear,
And yet I could say I was saved!

2 Those years were all laden with trouble and care—
A love of the world was still harbouring there;
I fed upon vanity lighter than air,
And yet I could say I was saved!

3 Then God, in His love, to my conscience drew near,
And show’d me what vile things were still dwelling here—
Such folly, and self, and such trifles were dear—
I hardly dared say I was saved!

4 I yielded to God; I begged Christ to come in,
I tasted the shame of confessing my sin;
I turned from the past, and wished now to begin—
Ah! still I could say I was saved!

5 And then form God’s face fell a heavenly ray,
A load from my poor burdened soul fell away,
A song in my heart began singing alway:
Yes! now I could say I am saved.

6 Now, Lord, it is only abiding in Thee,
My safety and peace in thus yielding, I see;
And so ‘tis not I, but Christ liveth in me,
I mean when I say I am saved!

7 I am saved from the power of the enemy’s hand;
By faith of Thine all-Blessèd Presence I stand;
Already I walk on the long-promised Land;
And now, oh thank God! I am saved!


Source: Hymns of Consecration and Faith #476

• MIDI file from Hymns of Consecration and Faith #476